Christmas Gift Ideas for Men

Finding affordable gifts that your friends and family actually want can be difficult but my female friends are always saying that it is the men that are harder to buy for; partly because we always seem to have everything we want but also because we seem less bothered about it. Apparently us men make finding gift ideas an awkward task - nonsense! We are not that difficult to buy for surely? With so many computer games, music vouchers and gadgets out there it should certainly be getting easier. Whenever I ask my Mother what she wants for Christmas she always says: 'I'll know it when I see it,' and I know she is not alone in thinking that. It's her a polite way of saying I have absolutely no idea but am hoping something will jump out at me. Men are the same really but we just don't say it out loud. We don't tend to make lists and here is a top tip right away; we will generally like anything we can eat, drink, play or laugh at!

Are Men Bothered?

Finding a good Christmas present for anyone does not have to be overly complicated. If you are buying a present this should mean that you know the recipient quite well, if not I would question why you are buying them one at all. Generally you can stick to the social rules of gift giving which is to give stereotypically i.e. women - jewellery, shoppingvouchers, perfume, pampering days etc... However, if you want to be more thoughtful Women tend to me more open about what they want, well my ex girlfriend used to supply me with a long list every year so I am assuming there are others that do the same - so you get something off the list and your are sorted - right? But when it comes to men where do you start?

If the men you know are anything like the men in my family (myself included) then they usually say they have everything they want. You may have tried dropping sly questions to find out what the gent in your life may want or need, clothes you've seen that you like or a new cologne you've smelt but not received much response; most of the time this is because we really aren't too bothered (well not with all of the effort that goes into deciding a gift). What I am trying to say is that we don't like to be forgotten but also expect to receive something. The good news is that finding gift ideas for men is the same as buying a gift for anyone, just think about what they will like or what will make them smile. Making someone smile is the whole purpose of getting them a present in the first place and most of us men can appreciate a good joke, so feel free to have some fun with what you decide to give us.

Toys for Big Boys!

Gadgets are a great default option for men. No matter our age, most of us can't let go of our inner child; gadgets are basically toys for big boys! We still like toys, we may like the pub and we may like football with the lads but we do all still like to play - fact.

The great thing is that you can find gadgets that are much cheaper than the latest PlayStation or X-Box game and can keep us just as entertained. I don't know one man that doesn't appreciate remote control toys - helicopters, cars, quadcopters, boats - you name it. If we can control it with a remote and make it move we will like it... A LOT! A lower budget option could be a mini fooseball table or darts and any joke gifts such as giant mugs or the 'man bowl' I pictured earlier in this article. If you are struggling for ideas checking out the latest gadgets should be your first step!

Do They Like To Laugh?

The answer is probably yes!

If you are looking for a unique gift idea and willing to splurge a little more money, tickets to see some live stand-up comedy could be a good option. Voucher websites often have deals or you could get his family or friends on board to pitch in and share a lift down to the venue if you are on a budget. If this isn't an option then there are plenty of DVDs around of comedy shows so why not have your own private stand-up comedy night at home. You could make him his favourite dinner and enjoy the comedy in the comfort of your home - sweet.

Alternatively, there are plenty of joke presents out there but try not to go too low - I found this website with what NOT to buy as joke gifts to help give you an idea of what to avoid: www.cracked.com/blog/the-10-most-depressingly-unfunny-gag-gifts/

Do They Like Sports?

Football / Darts / Rugby / Tennis...

There are so many different gift ideas for the Sports lovers so this could be the one time you can be thankful that your man is obsessed some kind of sports or other! Football can lead back to the mini fooseball table idea in the gadgets section or you could give them a promise voucher that they can watch the next match in piece with their favourite nibbles and drink on hand.

You could also look into buying them lessons in their favourite sports, get them equipment or tickets to a game. Even better you could get them a gift experience day. My roommate's Dad is a huge Liverpool Fan so he and his brother went halves and bought him a day at Anfield gift experience which he loved!

Did I miss anything or do you have any better ideas to share? Let me know by commenting. Don't forget to check out the rest of my work on The Spoon Drawer and follow me on twitter for all the latest - @EdwardPhelan1